Modular Loading Dock with Adjustable Legs and Integrated Leveler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading docks with dock housings are not modular, easily movable, or adjustable to conform to different grades, requiring concrete construction and lacking integration with conventional loading dock levelers.
Innovation Solution
A modular loading dock with a mobile base and adjustable leg members that can be easily assembled and disassembled, featuring a modular frame with adjustable feet and securement structures to accommodate varying grades, and integrating conventional dock levelers for seamless truck access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional loading docks are built with concrete construction, then structural stability is improved, but mobility and ease of relocation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dock is divided into modular components including a mobile base with adjustable leg members, a dock leveler assembly, and a housing with frame sections. These segmented modules can be independently assembled, disassembled, and relocated without concrete construction, yet maintain structural stability through precise mechanical connections and adjustment mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dock housings are permanently built, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different grades and locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dock incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through adjustable leg members with feet that can be positioned at multiple heights and angles, and a dock leveler with movable lip. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt to various ground grades and locations while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized components creates a universal loading dock system that can be deployed at multiple locations and adapted to different grade conditions. The mobile base, adjustable legs, and removable housing sections enable the same dock assembly to serve multiple functions and locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If dock levelers are integrated into the modular base, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock leveler assembly is merged with the mobile base through integrated mounting structures where the leveler is positioned within the base framework. This combination allows the leveler to be assembled and disassembled with the base as a unit, simplifying installation while the internal integration manages the complexity of coordinating multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular loading dock with a mobile base which includes two, opposing, adjustable leg members and top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having an opening to receive a dock leveler into such opening, the dock leveler includes a lower end and an upper end, the upper end abuts a preexisting structure and the lower end includes a lower edge having a lip, the lip is able to be activated between an extended/engaged position to contact a truck bed and a retracted/disengaged position. The mobile base also includes a housing with a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections, the sections include a frame-front wall, opposed frame-sidewalls and a frame-top wall, the frame-front wall has a vehicle-receiving opening to receive a back end of a vehicle.